Say it ain't so, Bob! Boston Herald sports-media columnist Jim Baker today reports that Boston Globe sports columnist Bob Ryan is (or should be) in trouble for hyperbole beyond the bounds of decency.

According to Baker, Ryan -- in his regular appearance on Channel 4's Sports Final on Sunday night -- said this about Joumana Kidd, wife of New Jersey Nets star Jason Kidd: "I'd like to smack her because that's what she needs!" And when host Bob Lobel threw Ryan a lifeline, Ryan proceeded to wrap it around his throat and pull hard.

It would be bad enough if Ryan had said this about anyone. But Jason Kidd, of course, is already known to have smacked around his wife, which makes Ryan's outburst all that much more deplorable.

If you're a paying customer, you can read Baker's column online here.

Ryan is a splendid sports columnist, and deserves the benefit of the doubt. But he'd better address this forthrightly and humbly -- soon.